About this Site
This online resource was developed by the NRCP Scientific Committee on Non-ionizing Radiation which was formed to oversee the development of an information resource for the public regarding health concerns associated with wireless technology. This represents the consensus of a team of leading scientists based on independent analysis, providing their interpretation of research and its implications for individuals and society.
Brief History Of Ncrp
advisory committee on x-ray and radium protection
NCRP was originally established to represent all of the national radiological organizations in the United States on a collective, scientific basis and to serve, in essence, as the United States national analog of the International X-Ray and Radium Protection Committee which was created in July 1928 under the auspices of the Second International Congress of Radiology and, subsequently, evolved into the International Commission on Radiological Protection. NCRP originally operated as an informal association of scientists seeking to make available information and recommendations on radiation protection and measurements. More than 30 major reports were produced during the early period of the NCRP’s history including the first recommendation specifying a maximum permissible level of exposure.
VAST INCREASE IN THE USE OF RADIATION
NCRP’s program expanded significantly to meet the new needs and, subsequently, it was recognized that continuation of the informal mode of operation was inappropriate.
MORE THAN 1.5 MILLION COPIES OF NCRP PUBLICATIONS DISTRUBTED
The work of NCRP has a significant impact on almost all activities in the United States which utilize or create radiation. The recommendations of the Council are important to radiation users — medical, industrial and governmental; to the general public; and to other state, national and international groups concerned with radiation matters.
The recommendations promulgated by the Council provide the scientific basis for radiation protection efforts throughout the country. Individuals and industrial organizations employing radiation sources turn to these recommendations to be sure that their equipment and practices embody the latest concepts of protection.
Who We Are
Biography Cards-
David A Savitz
Ph.D
Meet Dr. Savitz
One of the major themes of Dr. Savitz’ career has been furthering the understanding of the health effects of nonionizing radiation, including telecommunication technology. His epidemiologic research has helped to bring clarity to the complex and important questions of how to maintain public safety while using technologies that we all enjoy and depend on.
Since the 1980s, Dr. Savitz has been engaged in conducting and evaluating scientific research on the potential health effects of nonionizing radiation, beginning with a study of power lines and childhood cancer. Later research assessed electric and magnetic field exposure among workers in the electric utility industry and a range of other forms of exposure and health outcomes. In addition to his position as Professor of Epidemiology at Brown University, and Professor Obstetrics & Gynecology and Pediatrics, Dr. Savitz has served on multiple committees concerned both with power frequency fields and radiofrequency fields from cell phone communication and who provide reviews and interpretation of the evidence that have helped to drive policy to protect the public.
Dr. Savitz believes that epidemiology [GB1] has unique value in addressing questions of societal concern, including the health implications of technology. While there are multiple scientific strategies needed to assess and monitor the possible impact of exposures from technologies such as cell phones and WiFi, the direct answer to the question of whether those with greater exposure have a different health experience than those with less exposure is of fundamental importance. And while public debates about technology are normal and appropriate, better scientific information can help individuals and policy makers to make informed decisions.
“I welcome the opportunity to communicate scientific understanding to the general public, viewing that as an obligation given that it is the public that funds and participates in our research, and ultimately will incur the risks or benefits from the decisions that follow.” - Dr. David Savitz
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Martha S. Linet
M.D., M.P.H.
Meet Martha S. Linet
During a 40-year career as a cancer epidemiologist, Martha S. Linet, MD, MPH conducted large studies of residential power-frequency magnetic field exposures and risk of childhood leukemia (1990-2002) and use of cell phones and associated incidence trends and risks of adult brain tumors (1993-2021). For many years Dr. Linet was the scientific expert and senior author working with communications staff at the National Cancer Institute on public fact sheets on use of cell phones and cancer risks and electromagnetic fields and cancer.
Billions of people around the globe rely on cellular technology for business, personal, social media, and emergency response communication. One startling observation by Dr. Linet during a 2011 trip was the large numbers of different brands and types of cell phones sold in marketplaces and widely used throughout The Gambia in West Africa and in Morocco. Cell phone base stations and towers can be found throughout the world with rapid expansion of 5G towers. Public health and experimental biology professionals continue to monitor and conduct studies to evaluate possible risks of any adverse health effects from cell phones and/or base stations and towers. Findings from evidenced-based and high-quality scientific research should be clearly communicated along with engineering and other technical modifications to ensure the safety of individual and community exposures to wireless technology.